NJ Students Keep Speaking

Carolyn Pogwist (Editor’s Note: Carolyn became accredited in November 2020): There was no rhyme or reason for me to take that first T’ai Chi Chih class. I simply signed up for it and found myself in a crowded (to me) room and flustered my way through the movements the teacher was so sincerely and intensely explaining how to do. I felt overwhelmed and confused. I left the class relieved it was over and decided I could never do “this.” I was challenged mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In other words, I was a mess. But something happened when I got home.

I started researching TCC online and reading Justin Stone’s writings. I found videos of teachers and students practicing and tried to follow along as best I could. I did this every day. I couldn’t not do it. I felt almost compelled to continue practicing. About three months into daily practice, class, and readings I began to feel the Chi. Well, it was more like the Chi began to rock me. My hands would shake and flip about, and a rushing hot/cold sensation would slide up my spine and flush my face. I was overwhelmed again; but this time it was a wondrous, joyous feeling. I started questioning my teachers (at this point I was taking three classes a week): Why am I feeling this Chi so strongly?

What am I doing that is causing this physical manifestation that makes me feel like I’m going to take off and fly? “Ground. Stay in the soles of your feet. Feel the Bubbling Springs.”

And so, I learned the importance of grounding and the concept of the yin and yang reconciling after being separated in the movements. The “shake, rattle, and roll” in my practice has calmed down quite a bit since I have rooted my feet and allowed the tan t’ien take over.

Once you feel, I mean really feel the tan t’ien navigating your movements, you can never go back to going through the motions. What a lightness, what a freedom to have my body move without my making it move. The pilot — the tan t’ien — is in control and my body can glide without effort. On rare occasions when practicing, I am blessed with that magical moment of “T’ai Chi Chih doing T’ai Chi Chih.” There is no effort on my part; it’s a gift from the Universe I cherish.

So, you see, I did not choose TCC, I did not even want to pursue it after my first class. But it obviously chose me. And so, I say I was captured by the Chi. I was embraced by the Chi. It is my lifeline, my lifesaver, but most of all my joy! Most important are those teachers that nurtured me and continue to do so while I embrace back this gift that Justin Stone gave us.

Jeanne Mancision: I have discovered the role of the wrist in our movements. Another freedom. Softness is so much more effective than propulsion. The TCC practice has given me an increased awareness of my body in motion along with meditative and spiritual development. As the onion is peeled, the joy increases.

Kathy S.: Passing Clouds was my nemesis during my initial TCC course, but over the years it has evolved into a favorite. Whenever I come to it now, it feels like I am consolidating the energy that has been generated from the previous movements. Often, I then feel like I am floating and very peaceful while settling into the finale of a practice with Six Healing Sounds and Cosmic Consciousness Pose.

Linda H: TCC speaks to me of peace, softness, quiet, and grace. The practice is time set aside just for me. I am thankful that TCC found me.